Government Commissioner Gáspár Maróth told national media that eight of the new aircraft will be used for advanced pilot training ahead of transition onto the Saab Gripen C, with the remainder to be flown as operational reconnaissance aircraft. No contract value was disclosed, but deliveries are to commence from 2024.
Viktor Sotona, president and CEO of Aero Vodochody, said: “We are very pleased that our flagship product, the L-39NG will become an integral part of the Hungarian Air Force. Together with the Hungarian contract, Aero is now contracted to produce and deliver almost 30 brand new L-39NGs and with further serious customer negotiations taking place, this number could rise by dozens more in the coming years.”
The Hungarian Air Force has historically good experience with aircraft from Aero Vodochody production. Until 2009, this Central European country had operated a squadron of L-39 Albatros (since 1993, a total of 20 L-39 aircraft and then 12 aircraft since 1998). From 2007 to 2010, they also trained their pilots on leased L-159 aircraft. Both types made a very good impression in Hungary for their flight characteristics and operational capabilities.
L-39NG is a new aircraft from production of Aero Vodochody. It offer balanced aircraft characteristics and performance while using advanced aircraft technologies, an effective and sophisticated pilot and ground personnel training concept and easy maintenance. On the other hand, acquisition and operational cost of L-39NG are very reasonable. The L-39NG is able to cover multiple training phases In September 2020, the Military Aviation Authority of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic has certified the L-39NG aircraft to the new supranational military standards, EMAR 21 and EMACC, which is recognized by all EU and NATO military authorities.
